Bubba Chandler is dominating the fantasy baseball landscape as the most-rostered pitching prospect in ESPN standard leagues. The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander has shown immense potential, striking out 148 batters in just 119 2/3 innings across two minor league levels last season with a solid 3.08 ERA and a remarkable 1.01 WHIP. His fastball has reached an impressive 101.5 mph, and in three starts this season, he’s recorded a jaw-dropping 46% strikeout rate with a 1.69 ERA.

Despite a rocky spring training where he struggled with command, walking four batters and allowing five runs in 2 2/3 innings, the Pirates are taking a cautious approach. Nonetheless, with a rotation that’s lacking depth and Jared Jones sidelined for months, Chandler could get the call to the majors at any time. As fantasy managers weigh their options, investing in young pitchers remains a risky move compared to hitters, but Chandler’s upside makes him a coveted prospect.

Another name to watch is Andrew Painter of the Philadelphia Phillies, who is also a top pitching prospect recovering from Tommy John surgery. Painter, throwing in the high 90s, is expected to make his debut in July, and both pitchers could shape the future of their respective teams.

The MLB landscape is heating up with prospect promotions as the 2025 season unfolds. Chase Meidroth made his debut with the Chicago White Sox, while J.T. Ginn was recalled by the Athletics. Among the top prospects, Nick Kurtz of the Athletics stands out, boasting impressive stats in Triple-A with a .367 batting average and seven home runs in just 14 games. His promotion to the MLB seems imminent, especially with Tyler Soderstrom occupying first base and Brent Rooker at DH. Jordan Lawlar is also on the rise, showing a solid performance with the Diamondbacks, hitting .349 over the last ten games.

Zebby Matthews, now with the Twins, is expected to join the MLB soon, potentially filling in for the injured Pablo Lopez. Agustin Ramirez of the Marlins has shown promise with a hot start, and Quinn Mathews of the Cardinals faces challenges after a rocky beginning to the season. With these developments, fantasy managers should keep an eye on these players for potential impacts in redraft leagues.

The Colorado Rockies made a significant move by calling up outfield prospect Zac Veen, who has already started in right field for consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins face a potential opportunity with Zebby Matthews, especially with ace Pablo Lopez heading to the injured list. Matthews, who had a rocky start in the majors last year, has shown promise in the minors this season with a notable ERA and a dominant performance at Triple-A. His recent fastball velocity increase adds to his appeal for fantasy players.

Other notable prospects include Nick Kurtz, who continues to crush it in the minors, and Bubba Chandler, who recently displayed elite skills on the mound. Roman Anthony remains a priority stash despite a slow start. Lastly, Dalton Rushing's path to the majors seems uncertain, especially with the Dodgers' recent roster decisions.

The Minnesota Twins are making adjustments to their pitching rotation as they navigate a grueling stretch of 12 consecutive games without rest. David Festa is set to make his start against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, filling in for Pablo López, who will be placed on the injured list due to a grade 1 hamstring strain. Manager Rocco Baldelli indicated that this is a proactive measure to manage the workload on their starters amidst a busy schedule.

Festa, who had a rocky start to his big-league career last year, has shown improvement, posting a solid 3.81 ERA over his last 54 innings. Zebby Matthews is also expected to make an appearance in the rotation following Festa, showcasing the Twins' depth. Meanwhile, López reflected on his injury, expressing disappointment and frustration as he strives to maintain his durability.

Agustin Ramirez, Kyle Teel, and Zebby Matthews are three MLB prospects poised to make significant impacts for fantasy baseball teams this season. With injuries affecting many starting rotations and catchers, these players present excellent waiver wire opportunities. Ramirez, a catcher for the Miami Marlins, showcases impressive power and an upward trend in his minor league performance, making him a solid stash. Teel, now with the Chicago White Sox, is noted for his well-rounded game, though he has started slow. He offers a high ceiling once promoted. Lastly, Matthews has excelled in the Twins' AAA system, likely to step up in a rotation that could use his talent. Each player has the potential to be a game-changer for fantasy managers who act swiftly.